Diplomatic crisis averted between Bangkok and Phnom Penh
Bangkok (AsiaNews) - Thailand and Cambodia are to return their respective ambassadors to their place, after the latest round in a diplomatic standoff between the two neighbouring countries. This time the crisis was triggered by the arrest of three Thai citizens by Cambodian soldiers. The three should be repatriated within a few days. The announcement of the return of diplomatic envoys was made today by the Prime Minister of Thailand, Abhisit Vejjajiva. The situation was unblocked by the resignation of Thaksin Shinawatra, the hated former Thai Prime Minister forced into exile, who in November was appointed as economic adviser to Phnom Penh.
"I have informed Mr. Prasart Prasartvinijchai, Thai Ambassador to Cambodia to return to his position today and at the same time the Cambodian Ambassador will be sent to Thailand” declared the prime minister, adding he is convinced of the prompt release of the three Thais arrested August 18 by Cambodia.
Relations between the two neighbours worsened after news of Thaksin’s appointment as adviser to Phnom Penh. Deputy Prime Minister Suthep Thaugsuban, with responsibility for Social Affairs, thanked Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen for having accepted the resignation of Thaksin. "Now we can discuss the situation of the borders more easily," said Suthep.
Cambodian government spokesman Kaew Kanharith revealed Thaksin’s decided to resign for "personal issues" and should not be viewed as a political compromise. Lawyers for Thaksin added that "the resignation is due to the fact that Mr Thaksin has many other business to be conducted in various countries”.
Foreign Minister Kasit Piromya invited both governments to cut the tension with a view to engaging in fruitful discussions to resolve the long-running dispute over the Preah Vihear temple (pictured). Just this last year, it had also led to the recall of ambassadors.
The border dispute has been ongoing since 1962 when the International Court attaches to Cambodia control over the ruins of the Hindu temple Preah Vihear. The area where the temple stands is considered Cambodian territory, but it is surrounded by steep cliffs covered in dense jungle that Thailand considers its own. In addition because of the morphology of the territory the site is impossible to access through Cambodia. In recent years several clashes occurred between the two armies deployed near the site. The last one was April 2009 left four Thai soldiers dead.
Despite the territorial dispute, economic relations and trade between the two neighbours are growing. According to statistics from the Office for the Promotion of International Trade in Phnom Penh, the volume of trade between the two countries during the first seven months of 2010 grew by 76%. Cambodia exports grain to Thailand and imports fertilizer, for example.
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